Detectives from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) discovered the cocaine had been arranged to be delivered to an address in Portsmouth which belonged to husband and wife Gary and Louise Goodeve.

Police found one kilo of cocaine hidden in the garage of the property, alongside 39 bars of cannabis resin and other drug paraphernalia involved in the supply of drugs.

SEROCU identified that the cocaine had been imported into the UK via Spain.

A kilo of cocaine was found (Image: South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU))

On March 29, 2017, detectives arrested Michael Baldry at Luton Airport as he attempted to fly out of the country.

It was discovered that, between March 14 and March 18, Baldry had attempted to arrange the importation of cannabis from Spain into the UK.

The gang, consisting of three men and a woman in total, were jailed on Monday, December 4, 2017, at Portsmouth Crown Court.

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Their sentences add up to a combined total of more than 21 years in prison.

Kevin Lovell, 55-years-old, of Goodymoor Avenue, Wells, Somerset, pleaded guilty to one count of importation of class A drugs (cocaine) and was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment; one count of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment to run concurrently; one count of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) and sentenced to two years imprisonment to run concurrently; and one count of having cash which was a proceed of crime and sentenced to one year imprisonment to run concurrently; which is a total of nine years and eight months imprisonment.

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Michael Baldry, 50-years-old, of Chelmsford Road, Portsmouth pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in supply of class A drugs (cocaine) and was sentenced to six years imprisonment; and one count of attempting to import class B drugs (cannabis) and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment to run consecutively; which is a total of seven years imprisonment.

Gary Goodeve, 55-year-old, of Drayton Lane, Portsmouth, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment; and one count of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis) and sentenced to one year and three months imprisonment to run consecutively; which is a total of six years and seven months imprisonment.

Louise Goodeve, 52-year-old, of Drayton Lane, Portsmouth, was found guilty by majority verdict, on 22 September at Portsmouth Crown Court, of one count of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and sentenced on Monday (4/12) to two years and six months imprisonment.

Police send 'clear message' to criminals

Detective Inspector Neil Cripps, from SEROCU’s Investigations team, said: “The sentences send out a clear message to anyone involved in the importation and supply of drugs; you will be identified and brought before the courts.

“The total street value of cocaine recovered was valued at £300,000, with the cannabis being valued at £97,000.

“This gang thought they would be able to conduct their criminal enterprise without being detected, however the comprehensive case that was brought together meant that they were left with limited options but to plead guilty.

“Louise Goodeye chose to put the case to the jury, however they saw past her claims of not knowing anything and she was also found guilty.

“We will continue to target criminals who operate within the South East region and use our full capabilities to stop them.”

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